5 Fast Ways to Make Money Online

Learn the rapid route to earning some extra cash on the Web

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If you're pinching pennies and worried about your job during these tough economic times, making some quick cash on the side might help you keep up with your monthly expenses. Thanks to the Web, you can make money online from the comfort of home and, in some cases, do something you really enjoy. From tutoring to freelance writing, here are five fast ways to start making a few extra dollars online.

1. Sell something online
One of the easiest ways to make money on the Web is to sell something on ebay.com or craigslist.org. You can set up a seller account on eBay within minutes, and post an ad on Craigslist for virtually any item you want to get off your hands. From textbooks to coffee tables, it's likely that someone is ready to pay for your slightly-used goods.

2. Become an online tutor
Do you have strong online communication skills? Love to teach? Online tutoring is becoming an in-demand work opportunity, and is a great fit for anyone who has some basic Web skills and a desire to help others. Tutoring sites such as smartthinking.com will help you get your e-structor certification and match you with students who need your help.

3. Flex your writing skills
If you have some experience writing articles, Web content, press releases or other types of copy, you can make money online as a freelance writer. There are dozens of Web sites that pay for different types of articles and content. You can make some fast cash by submitting articles about all sorts of topics including travel, "how to," gardening, shopping, parenting and more. Turn to Web sites such as associatedcontent.com and demandstudios.com to start publishing general interest articles, and get paid cash within days after your submission is approved. Some sites have specific requirements on the article topics they need, while others allow you to submit on any topic you choose.

4. Sell photos on stock photography sites
Show off your creative side and start snapping away some professional photographs to build up a portfolio. Stock photography Web sites such as shutterpoint.com and istockphoto.com allow you to submit digital pictures, grant licensing rights to users, and cash in on the deal every time your picture sells. With a little research, you can even find out what the top selling categories are at any given time.

5. Become a virtual assistant
Companies of all sizes need ongoing help to manage basic administrative tasks on the Web. This can be anything from creating spreadsheets, editing documents, making online travel reservations and answering e-mails on the company's behalf. Virtual assistants can make up to $20 per hour; Web sites such as virtualassistant.org offer free training. After you're approved or certified in a particular niche, you can log into a virtual portal and pick up assignments or tasks for different clients. While you may need to go through a training phase before you get started, you can expect to find work on a regular basis, and do it all from the comfort of home.

It's easier than ever to make money online in today's economy, and you can use your existing skills to get started. From selling furniture to writing articles, take advantage of these opportunities if you need to make cash fast.